1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Our capacity for self-deception in order to justify our personal preferences is simply astounding- truly astounding. Telling ourselves the truth is elusive these days. Telling ourselves that somehow the Creator of the Universe has suddenly, in the past few years, morphed and changed- because that fits our personal desires- is deadly. God said He never changes. Whose position has moved then? And whose position is steadfast in truth? Ours or His? It is His and His position has been the same throughout centuries. Sodom and Gomorrah happened. Sodom and Gomorrah is happening today. It’s real. It’s the enemy. And we are deceived. And we call love “bigotry” and lies “truth”.

What blows me away in all of this…. the destruction of our societal soul…. is that God has not taken us all out as He did in the Old Testament. But indeed, He believes in free will and we will reap what we are now sowing.

Homosexuality is sin. Fornication at any age is sin. Gender fluidity is abnormal and at its core, rebellion against God. Adultery is sin. Being complicit in someone else’s sin is sin.

And Jesus is here to bring freedom and forgiveness. His joy is unspeakable and in Him there is no condemnation. And yes, we live in forgiveness! But remember this. He gives us no freedom to continue to sin, unrepentant, without allowing us to experience the consequences. He will not be mocked. And He will not be complicit. Why? Because He loves us.

Take Away: If we choose to deceive ourselves, we pay a high price. Telling ourselves the truth, in all areas of our lives- from the realities of our own circumstances to the realities of the church, the nation, the world- is critical in order to remain in the will of God. How can we know His heart if we have deceived ourselves as to His absolute power and authority in this universe? He is the Great I Am. He will forever be.

Prayer: Dear God, you have searched me and you know me. Please reveal to me whatever truth I am ignoring in my own life, in the lives of others, in the world. Lead me to speak the truth in love and not remain silent and thereby complicit in the deception of others. Let Your truth be more important to me than my reputation. But tame my tongue with Your compassionate heart. Let me be used by You regardless of the consequences to me. Let Your reputation be more vital than mine.